Cebu Pacific Long-Haul Flights Draw Positive Reviews

Just over one year since Cebu Pacific began flying long-haul routes, the carrier is now beginning to spread its wings further as it prepares to launch its first service to the United States in 2015. Although the carrier endured growing pains at first, the reception to Cebu Pacific's long-haul service has generally been favourable and Filipinos around the world are now eager for the carrier to begin flying to their city.

Copyright Photo: Diego Roxas/PPSG
When Cebu Pacific began its long-haul flights, it was pioneering a concept that has rarely gained success and viability in the airline industry. Although low-cost travel has worked quite well on short to medium haul routes, it had never been perfected down to a science for long-haul routes, with many previous attempts ending in bankruptcy. But one year later, Cebu Pacific may be proving that it has discovered the formula for success, at least for the Filipino market.

Cebu Pacific currently flies to five long-haul destinations including Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam, Kuwait, and Sydney, Australia. Four of these destinations were added in the last six months alone. It uses the Airbus A330-300 aircraft for its long-haul division, configured in a single-class economy layout with 436 seats stretching nine seats across. When it was unveiled, the aircraft was the most densely configured A330 aircraft in the world and many industry analysts did not believe that passengers, particularly foreigners, would tolerate the discomfort. But Cebu Pacific seems to be surprising many -- perhaps even themselves.

According to online feedback provided by Cebu Pacific passengers on the Skytrax website, reviews of Cebu Pacific's long-haul flights to Dubai and Sydney are primarily positive:

"Flew on their new route MNL-SYD. As this is a low cost carrier you get what you pay for. There are no blankets, pillows, complimentary food and drinks or Inflight Entertainment. However, the website was easy to navigate when making bookings, the aircraft was clean, cabin crew were friendly, lavatories spotless throughout the flight and the flight was on time. Inflight entertainment consisted of complimentary wi-fi with movie and magazine choices for viewing. You need your own wi-fi enabled device to use the service. Internet access was also available for USD12.00 for the flight. The wi-fi service was stable and reliable. If all you are seeking is a cheap seat Cebu Pacific is the way to go. The fare cost AUD150.00. A competing carrier was offering a fare of AUD700.00. A nice touch was entering the aircraft into the cabin, not via a galley, which is standard of most aircraft designs. Entering directly into the cabin creates the impression of more space. The configuration of the Cebu Pacific A330-300 is tight with only 8 lavatories. However, the cabin is all one class of service and there were no queuing issues with lavatories. Will fly them again for the cheap ticket cost and friendly service." (8/10) - James Steward, Australia
"Flew SYD-MNL return for $144 (AUD) return, bargain of a deal. Having flown AirAsia many times I knew the standards of a low cost airline, it was pretty much the same. The planes were very quiet (new Airbus A330-300), seats were a little bit smaller and not as comfortable (harder) than AirAsia seats, also the recline angle was not as generous, but for the price and short distance, who cares? A little over cautious on the final security check at the gate on our return flight from MNL, total unnecessary (probably not their fault though, but rather a requirement set by the Australian Government, same thing happens in KL for example). This meant a delayed departure of about 40min, they should have allocated more time prior to boarding. Would I fly with them again, yes, if you love the Philippines and don't care about 'proper airline' service, then why not, I could even see myself pay $600 for a flight, beats flying to KL and then onwards. There are a few other operational procedures they should iron out, but fairly satisfied." (7/10) - P. Milenkovic, Australia 
"DXB-MNL, MNL-DXB - as what the brand suggests "Budget Airline" so don't expect a five star service. Nevertheless, the cabin is clean, staff are friendly food are good (Chicken Adobo and Beef Caldereta)." (9/10) - Armi Ipapo, UAE
"DXB-MNL, New A330-300 aircraft was used and its so refreshing once u enter on the plane, seat is narrow for economy, flight crew were polite and always smiling. Very cheap fare compared to others on time departure from DXB and arrival in MNL. Will definitely fly this airline again." (9/10) - D Delacruz, UAE 
Copyright Photo: Jun Acullador/PPSG
In all reviews, Cebu Pacific's seat comfort was generally rated four out of five stars. The cabin is configured with nine seats across in a 3-3-3 configuration. This provides passengers with 16.5 inches / 41.9 centimetres of width between arm rests. That is generally a 3.75 to 5 centimetre reduction in width compared to many legacy carriers operating similar aircraft. If you don't want to feel as cramped, you can select a seat at the back of the aircraft, which is in a 2-3-2 configuration. The seat pitch on the aircraft is 30 inches for a standard seat. That is two inches less than most legacy carriers and even some low-cost carriers in the western world. However, it is still better than the 28 to 29 inches offered by AirAsia and Tigerair on their short to medium haul flights.

Copyright Photo: Jun Acullador/PPSG
Some passengers have warned that those who may be overweight, taller, or wider, could experience discomfort as the seating may be uncomfortable for such a lengthy period. Despite that, passengers have reported that the cabin is extremely clean, as well as the washroom facilities on board the aircraft. 

Like most low-cost carriers, Cebu Pacific does charge extra for its baggage allowance. However, passengers can save money by pre-paying for their baggage online. Passengers can purchase additional weight ranging from 15 kilograms to 40 kilograms per bag.

Meals are also not included, but passengers can pre-purchase meals in advance. It is advisable to pre-book your meals as you will get a complimentary drink. Otherwise, expect to pay anywhere from $1.25 to $2.50 for a beverage. Selections include both hot and cold beverages as well as San Miguel beer. For foreigners, Cebu Pacific provides photographs of the meals for those that may be unfamiliar with local dishes. Passengers can choose from a selection of Filipino favourites such as Beef Caldereta, Bistek Tagalog, Chicken Adobo, and Chicken Barbecue. All are served with rice. 

Although no in-flight entertainment is provided, Cebu Pacific is famous for its in-flight games. Though these games do not pass the entire 8 hours of the average long-haul flight, the carrier does offer a Wi-Fi service for a fee, which can be used by those who have brought their own devices. Fees range from $5 for one hour up to $12 for the entire flight. 

Image Source: Cebu Pacific
While Cebu Pacific currently does not have much direct competition in terms of low-cost carriers on its long-haul routes, AirAsia has been aggressively trying to compete on its Australian flights by offering special "Fly-Thru" fares via Kuala Lumpur, where AirAsia's long-haul division, AirAsia X, is based. There have been rumours that AirAsia X may be considering a Philippine affiliate but that is likely years away. 

AirAsia X, which pioneered long-haul low-cost travel in the region, also operates a tightly configured aircraft. However, it is not nearly as tight as Cebu Pacific carrying only 377 seats as opposed to Cebu Pacific's 436 seats. AirAsia X also offers one to two inches more legroom and provides a small premium cabin with lie-flat business class seating for those who want to pay for added comfort. 

Although Cebu Pacific seems to be concentrated on the Middle East, while planning to enter the United States market, there is presently a lot of opportunity for the carrier in Australia, where it can stimulate the nation's strong outbound tourism market. Many Australians are presently visiting places like Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. But the Philippines has a lot to offer and a lot to gain if Cebu Pacific can open the market. 

Unfortunately, growth is presently hampered by the Australia - Philippines aviation agreement. Philippine Airlines holds the majority of seats and Cebu Pacific will need the agreement to be renegotiated to allow more seats if it is to truly penetrate the Australian market. With Philippine Airlines officially putting plans on hold to expand in Australia, the opportunity is ripe for Cebu Pacific to enter and steal market share, expanding to under served areas such as Melbourne, Darwin, Brisbane, and Perth. But for now, the carrier would just like to be able to fly daily to Sydney. 

cebu pacific a330
Copyright Photo: Angelo Agcamaran/PPSG
With Cebu Pacific's competitive fares and the positive passenger feedback, expansion seems to be inevitable. Whether it is the United States, Middle East, Australia, or Europe, Filipinos are eager for the arrival of Cebu Pacific. But as Josie Avery of Australia's Travel Talk Magazine suggests, if you are going to fly Cebu Pacific on a long-haul flight, you would be advised to adjust your expectations accordingly. "If, like me, you've never flown on a low cost carrier internationally before, suck up the complaints about less room and no extras and revel in the fact that if you've managed to score a deal, you're not getting what you paid for, you're actually getting more."

64 comments:

  1. Great article from the Cebu Pac PR Department! Interesting how only the positive "reviews" were quoted...
    "A nice touch was entering the aircraft into the cabin, not via a galley, which is standard of most aircraft designs. Entering directly into the cabin creates the impression of more space."
    Great justification of the sardines class configuration! PAL also of course takes second place in the most cramped aircraft contest... PH aviation innovation for you...

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    1. Yup. I tell you man, these guys are being paid by Cebu Pacific. LOL! What a joke. These are the same guys who complain about PAL's seating configuration.

      (BTW, I am that anon that posted on Jan. 2, 2015 9:06 PM)

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    2. What else do you expect from this site? Not infrequently their articles have tended to be pro-CebPac and pro-Ang. I used to like Ramon Ang myself, and I thought he could be PAL's savior, but when he turned PAL into a de-facto LCC I lost respect for him. I don't like Tan and Bautista much either but at least they plan to make PAL's service great again and at least attempt to make PAL be among the likes of Cathay and SIA, though of course, whether or not this will actually happen remains to be seen, but either way it should still be an improvement over Ang's mismanagement.

      As for Cebu Pathetic, I've noticed that the articles here on CebPac have tended to be positive, and those on PAL to be negative. Even more so the readers. PAL may be crap too, but I'd rather fly them or any other airline (even Air Asia X) other than CebPac on long haul. At least Air Asia X, despite being a long haul low cost carrier, has good service. CebPac should stick to short haul, that's what it's best at.

      Also, did anyone notice that CAPA (Centre for Aviation)'s analyses tended to be positive for LCCs and Middle East carriers? I don't recall them ever making a negative article on Etihad or Emirates. They even thought Tigerair Mandala and Fastjet would succeed, even though as it would turn out things aren't looking that way.

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    3. Right at ya! RSA cheapened PAL.

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  2. Ayyy this pathetic Airline is making the Headline news on Philippine Flight Network?! FUCK Cebu Pacific or should i say CEBU PATHETIC. Seriously, this Airline is a JOKE. Couldn't had my Flight on Christmas because the Flight is always delayed and/or canceled.

    Cebu Pathetic, before you fly to U.S, fix your services first.

    "When Cebu Pacific began its long-haul flights, it was pioneering a concept that has rarely gained success and viability in the airline industry. Although low-cost travel has worked quite well on short to medium haul routes, it had never been perfected down to a science for long-haul routes, with many previous attempts ending in bankruptcy. But one year later, Cebu Pacific may be proving that it has discovered the formula for success, at least for the Filipino market."

    HAHAHAHAHA! Is this suppose to be a troll sentence? I would like to see Cebu Pacific go Bankrupt.

    Stay of the U.S Cebu Pacific. You are the most if not pathetic Airline i have ever flown on.

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    1. It is you again, Mr. Hongkong! I thought you have abandoned "loudmouthing" Cebu Pacific Airways! From your English Grammar and the like, you are a Pinoy who is either a: (1) paid blogger from another airline; (b) employee of PAL or other shaky competitor. I wonder why a "Hongkong person" is so interested in the affairs of other countries' businesses. Now, you cannot go away with it any longer. Readers know you already! Adios para siempre (goodbye forever).

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    2. Ah, so this Site gave ME the title of "Mr. Hong Kong" /claps/

      The wonders of the Filipino magician act. Brillant!

      Who said i was being paid from another Airline? I am talking about my Personal experience. You say i am an Employee of PAL? Sorry buddy, call your Friend Lucio Tan for that.

      Sincerely, your Favorite PFN character
      - Mr. Hong Kong

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  3. Where is the news about that fiasco that happened in NAIA T3 on Dec 24 and 25? Our readers deserve to know how pathetic Cebu Pacific customer service is -- Yet...this site has 2 articles about the unfortunate AirAsia mishaps!

    How come this article only picked on the positive "reviews" from SkyTrax website--Come on...bring the two sides of the coin if you intend showcase passenger "reviews".

    Don't you think you have the civic duty to inform potential passengers and warn them when they fly Cebu Pacific--the nightmare that they may experience upon check-in? The disappointment they get when the flight gets cancelled for no apparent reason! That waiting game in the airport because 70% of their Cebu Pacific flights were delayed in those days!?

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    Replies
    1. On the contrary, we are waiting for Cebu Pacific's initial flight to the U.S. of A. because we want to try their low air fares. By the way, we have saved a lot of dough by flying Aer Lingus to Europe year in and year out and if Cebu Pacific matches what Aer Lingus is doing, it is a done deal!. "We" means an association of FilAms from North Luzon. We love to save, save, save!

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    2. That's not going to happen in the short term because CebPac doesn't have any planes that can reach the mainland. The A330s can only go as far as Hawaii, and competition from PAL is intense. Even with the cheaper fares, PAL is still a force to be reckoned with. CebPac should buy 787s or A350 is they are to serve the mainland, as 777s aren't very economical for LCCs (just ask Scoot).

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    3. I am from Honolulu, a ten-hour flight from Manila which a B767 and A330 can fly non-stop, non-stop, non-stop! Just compete in a real decent world, will you?

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    4. Agree! Besides, flights from Honolulu to mainland USA is five hours only. Just let these airlines compete decently. You and I are all Pinoys so please stop fighting!

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    5. And give chance for USA residents and FilAms to enjoy their freedom from want: low, low fares. The others who want to be classy may fly business or even first class. It's their money (to spend) and it is my money (to save) for low, low airfares. Simple as that!

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  4. PAL's air fares to the USA are not competitive at all. By frequently checking websites and consolidators, there is no way PAL would compete with the fares of Asiana Airlines, Air China, Korean Air and Eva Air for the LAX/MNL route. So why would I pay extra $350 dollars for my mother (for PAL) when she can fly more comfortably with those abovementioned airlines. Besides, they really provide excellent inflight services! Come on! At this time, PAL should start introducing LCC fares because once Cebu Pacific has started flying to North America, you all know the grim economic consequences! I love PAL but I love the lowest air fares better, so, prove it PAL!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blame Ramon Ang for bringing down PAL's service to laughable levels. At least with Tan service was rather acceptable, and the 777s and 747s at least had IFE, even if it was rather poor and sometimes didn't work at all. Ang turned PAL into a de-facto LCC, a shadow of Asia's First Airline's former glory. And yet this website still loves him? I can understand wireless IFE for short haul flights, but Manila to London without IFE, for a relatively high price? A330s with 3-3-3 seating? Come on.

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    2. Oh no, direct flight are always expensive dear.i tried to fly from jakarta to los angelis via manila on pal way cheapear compare to cathay,korean or eva air.

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  5. This website does nothing but kiss Cebu Pacific's feet and repeatedly bash on PAL. Go to Philippine Air Space if you want to read fair and square articles.

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    1. This is why i started complaining about Cebu Pacific and why these Filipinos call me "Mr. Hong Kong" after me simply commenting my bad experience with this trash Airline.

      I find it funny how they complain about PAL's seating configuration and praise Cebu Pacific's more mediocre Service. I rather take AirAsia Zest and PAL Express than Cebu Pathetic.

      Sincerely, your favorite PFN character
      - Mr. Hong Kong

      Delete
  6. So funny to read all the comments. People can sulk all they want, they can bash Cebu Pacific all they want, but the public that really matter has spoken and they like this little airline that once couldn't. And the financial statements have proven it!

    I hope that Cebu Pacific would write these loud mouth and a half rabid trolls with a letter in the shades of Herb Kelleher:

    Dear XXX,

    We will miss you!

    Good riddance,
    The Cebu Pacific Team!

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    Replies
    1. During the recent holidays, PAL's delays were worse than Cebu Pacific. My flight was delayed 6 hours on Dec 23rd. Last night, my 10:30pm flight took off at 2am! But people did not complain... I guess PAL passengers have better breeding? Hahahaaa. But yeah Mr. Hong Kong is one hell of a tool!

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    2. maybe thats why it wasnt on the news cause nobody complained, but your fellow passengers didnt make a fuss or complain at all?

      i always fly PAL domestic or international, and so far whenever the plane will get delayed they always inform me hours earlier via e-mail.

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    3. I will continue bashing Cebu Pacific because of what they have done to me a few months ago!

      Blame the fucked up Runways? HAHAHA! Nice excuse Cebu Pathetic Executive. Yet, other Airlines were able to have Flights on Christmas. Why was it me and my colleagues had our Flights canceled on Christmas because of STUPID reasons by Cebu Pacific?

      Jeez, i think you Filipinos need to understand criticism and free speech.

      Sincerely, your favorite anon
      - Mr. Hong Kong

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    4. @ANON JAN 5, 2015 1:27 PM

      YOU calling me a Tool? Go to hell.
      Why you still support this Tin can Airline?! They deserve to go out of Business!!

      Sincerely, a man in a Tux
      - Mr. HK

      Delete
  7. Low fares are the only sane subject that FilAms in USA want to talk about. That's about it! We are busy people trying to earn hard currency (the world's business transaction money), so goodbye for now, fellow Pinoys. We will wait for Cebu Pacific here and we will see how PAL would compete. Only in the USA!

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  8. Cebu Pacific try to run too many planes from an over congested airport = delays and on time performance is a joke
    Avoid this tin pot pot oufit at all costs

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Agreed! Boycott this tin pot Airline at all costs. Lance needs to make sure he renames the Company to Cebu Pathetic.

      Sincerely, your Businessman in a Tux
      - Mr. HK

      Delete
  9. Cebu Pacific's Customer service is zero at Manila airport and they treat their passengers with contempt. Their air fares are not so cheap also once you add on all the extras. A second rate airline run by a bunch of amateurs

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    Replies
    1. Its really cheap compare to full service carriers...sounds like you are not a frequent flyer...you pay peanuts and you get monkey(hindi lang sa cebu pac pati na rin sa ibang budget airlines)...

      Delete
  10. Cebu Pacific, Welcome to the USA! We are real travelers, therefore, hear us... the sooner you start serving our region, the better.....

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    Replies
    1. If you are REAL travelers, you are better flying off with a Full Service carrier. Why the fuck would you fly with a TIN POT Airline like Cebu Pacific?

      Sincerely, Businessman wearing Tux on LCC
      - Mr. HK

      Delete
  11. No matter what these bashers say, I still thank 5J for offering reasonable airfares to Filipinos.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stop dick riding this Airline. Worst LCC in Asia

      Sincerely, your favorite Businessman in a Tux
      - Mr. HK

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    2. No matter what you saying still many pinoys fly cebu pacific,not because of fancy amenities and meals,because its cheap...

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  12. Sorry people need to know the truth about this airline and not propaganda posted by cebu pacific staff like yourself. Just for once admit you work for a useless airline = Cebu Pacific

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  13. Ah, i see our fellow Filipinos share their dislikes towards Cebu Pacific. Come fly with us, Philippine Airlines. Your Home in the Sky.

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    Replies
    1. Sorry Mr. Lucio Tan, but my Airline is still better than you. For everyone's negative comments, i apologize for the inconvience that has caused you on Christmas. What can we do to make your Airline experience better at Cebu Pacific? :)

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  14. Very uneducated indeed. I had a moron on Cebu Pacific spill drink on my Tux on my way to Manila from Hong Kong. Then when i went to the "CR", i hear them morons talking about me.

    Sincerely, your favorite Businessman
    - Mr. HK

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  15. By the way, you're all invited to fly to the inaugural flight of 5J to Honolulu, Doha and Bahrain this 2015. Cheers!

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  16. I love it when people get riled up about Cebu Pacific! They're enjoying this! It's like Ryanair. Publicity is publicity, good or bad.

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  17. guess nobody ever checked Skytrax website ...

    there are 5 - in words five - reviews for 5Js longhaul flights,

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  18. Im so embarrased this airline being an airline from my country!

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  19. All these whiners have so much time on their hands! Get a job, do something, be useful, get busy! Don't be typical rabid-mouthed Pinoys! You're actually more embarrassing to this country than Cebu Pacific!

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  20. We need Cebu Pacific's flight schedules to the USA. Please publish them in local Filipino newspapers in this superpower country! Thanks a million.

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  21. Ladies ladies, calm down.
    Why cause so much violence?

    ReplyDelete
  22. Actually your airline Cebu Pacific does that every day to its long suffering passengers

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  23. Ceb still is to be thanked for changing the game in Phil air industry. Indeed now every Juan can fly---even long haul! And pls. This is a budget airline so stop comparing it to Legacy carriers as they have different clients, more or less.

    ReplyDelete
  24. That's a Filipino thing. Not one company in this country can provide decent customer service. It seems like Filipinos are incompetent by nature! So yeah, you're included in your insult against Cebu Pac employees!

    ReplyDelete
  25. just support our own airlines...so that at the end we can be as competitive like other airlines globally, and stop complaining, you get what you paid...kailangan lang naman magtulungan tayo itaas ang "pride" natin bilang mga Pilipino at ang industriya na makakatulong sa bansa para umangat ang Pilipinas hindi yung puro hilahan pababa...anyhow i will this airline at the end of the month...i am looking forward for a fair experience with our own airlines...

    ReplyDelete
  26. I was very disappointed with the way the flight attendants treat their passengers. They are very arrogant and they act very rude when you ask for their services. I tried to report some of their flight attendants but the Cebu Pacific staffs just gave me a cold shoulder. What a terrible company this is.

    ReplyDelete
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